Temporary SASSA Disability Grant (2025): Duration, Renewal, Lapse Conditions, Amount, and How to Apply

South Africa’s disability grant can be awarded on a temporary basis when a medical practitioner appointed by the state confirms that your disability prevents you from working but is likely to improve with time or treatment. If your condition is expected to last longer than a year, SASSA may consider a permanent disability grant instead; however, “permanent” refers to a duration longer than 12 months, not necessarily for life.

The grant’s purpose is to provide short-term income support while you recover from surgery, injury, or a time-limited illness. It helps you manage essential living costs until you can return to work or are reassessed if recovery takes longer than expected.

Temporary SASSA Disability Grant (2025) Quick Summary (Vertical Table)

How Long Does a Temporary Disability Grant Last?

A temporary grant runs for not less than six months and not more than 12 months. The exact period depends on the state-appointed doctor’s assessment and the expected course of your condition. At the end of that period, the grant ends automatically. There is no rollover.

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If you still cannot work at expiry, you must submit a fresh application and go through a new medical assessment. SASSA’s guidance and historic notices emphasise that extensions are not automatic; eligibility is reassessed on current medical evidence.

Can You Renew a Temporary Grant?

Yes, by reapplying. You need to:

1. Undergo a new medical assessment by a practitioner appointed by the state.
2. Provide up-to-date medical records and any supporting documentation.
3. Reapply at SASSA; the agency will evaluate whether you still meet the disability and means-test criteria.

Approval is not guaranteed. If the assessment shows sufficient recovery to work, SASSA can decline the new application. If the disability is ongoing beyond 12 months, SASSA may consider a permanent disability grant route, which can still be subject to periodic review.

Medical report validity: Your assessment report is generally valid for 3 months from the date of examination, so time your application accordingly to avoid repeat assessments.

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How Much Is Paid in 2025?

The maximum disability grant listed on the gov.za service page is R2 310 per month. Government budget updates confirmed a further adjustment to R2 320 from October 2025 for disability grants and certain other grants. If you are paid in October 2025 or later, check your payslip to confirm the updated amount reflected in that cycle.

Payment can be made by electronic deposit into your bank or Postbank account, in cash at designated pay points, or via an approved institution. Bank charges may apply for deposits into private accounts.

Conditions Under Which a Temporary Grant May Lapse Early

Beyond the automatic expiry at the end of the approved term, a disability grant can lapse or be suspended when:

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• Your circumstances change (for example, you return to work or your means change).
• You do not claim the grant for three consecutive months.
• You are admitted to a state institution.
• You are absent from South Africa.
• There is fraud/misrepresentation, you fail to cooperate during a review, or an approval error is identified.

Important note on institutional care: If you are admitted to an institution contracted with the state to care for you, the grant is reduced to 25% of the maximum amount from the fourth month after admission and restored in full upon discharge.Who Qualifies and What Documents Are Needed?

To apply for a disability grant (temporary or permanent), you must:

• Be a South African citizen, permanent resident, or a recognised refugee, living in South Africa.
• Be 18 to 59 years old.
• Not be cared for in a state institution.
• Undergo a medical examination by a state-appointed doctor.
• Meet the means test (income and assets thresholds set by regulation; check updates on the official pages).

Bring the following to SASSA when you apply:

• 13-digit bar-coded ID (or follow SASSA’s affidavit and Department of Home Affairs process if you do not yet have an ID).
• Medical and functional assessment reports.
• Proof of marital status and proof of residence.
• Proof of income or dividends, proof of assets (including municipal property value), and bank statements for the past three months.
• If formerly employed, UIF blue book or discharge certificate.
• If your spouse died in the last five years, a copy of the will and the first and final liquidation and distribution accounts, where applicable.

Processing time and back pay: SASSA indicates it can take up to three months to process an application. If approved, payment is backdated to your application date. No service fee is charged.

Tips to Avoid Interruptions

• Apply before your current temporary grant ends so that your new medical report remains valid during processing.
• Keep banking details and contact numbers updated with SASSA to avoid payment delays or missed review notices.
• If you cannot collect your grant, arrange for an authorised person as permitted by SASSA procedures or ensure reliable access to your banked funds.

FAQs

1) How long does the temporary disability grant run?

For 6 to 12 months, as determined by the state-appointed doctor’s assessment. It expires automatically at the end of that period.

2) Can I renew it if I am still not well?

Yes, but you must reapply and complete a new medical assessment. Approval depends on updated medical findings and the means test.

3) What happens if I do not collect the grant for three months?

SASSA may lapse the grant if it is not claimed for three consecutive months.

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4) Will I still be paid if I am admitted to a state institution?

From the fourth month of admission to a contracted state institution, the grant is reduced to 25% of the maximum amount and is reinstated in full when you are discharged.

5) What is the amount in October 2025?

The maximum disability grant increased to R2 320 from October 2025. Earlier service pages still show R2 310 as the baseline; the October update supersedes that value.

6) How long is my medical report valid?

Generally 3 months from the assessment date; apply promptly so it does not expire during processing.

7) How and where do I apply?

Apply in person at your nearest SASSA office, complete the application in the presence of a SASSA officer, and bring all required documents listed above.